Justice Welsh noted 30 days is "unusual, but I have seen it for 30 days. There are some areas they want to explore."

When asked if he understood what was happening, Mr. Lutczyk said in a clear voice, "Yes sir."

He'll be back in court on Dec. 21.

Mr. Lutczyk, 45, faces 26 charges relating to a string of incidents that began on the night of Oct. 15, when Oshawa City solicitor David Potts was abducted at gunpoint (Mr. Potts escaped unharmed), then continued through the next day as Mr. Lutczyk remained barricaded inside a building in a Whitby industrial park.

In an interview, Mr. Yeghoyan said, "It's obviously a difficult situation, particularly for his family. He has an elderly father and young daughter."

He noted Mr. Lutczyk is a "three-time elected official" with no previous criminal history.

"He's facing some fairly serious charges," he said. "Ontario Shores, they wanted 30 days. This may take months or years to sort out. They need 30 days to assess him."